Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Wire Antenna Calculator (http://www.ws6x.com/ant_calc.htm) Author:  Jim Clymer, Jr (WS6X). Accessed on 19 November 2017, 0255 UTC. Please click link or enter title URL into your browser to read the full article. Comment: If you experiment with HF amateur radio antennas, this Wire Antenna Calculator from Jim Clymer, Jr. (WS6X) will save you a lot of time as you configure and trim your HF antenna ideas.  I've made a copy of the article for my reference library, since I tend to try many antenna designs at my QTH. Here are the main antennas discussed by Jim: Standard Flat Top Dipole. Inverted Vee. Quad Loops. Equilateral Delta Loops. Full Wave Loops. Each section carries some basic antenna theory and construction tips to maximize the performance of these popular antennas. The calculator is simple.  All  you have to do is fill in the calculator form and press the calculate button. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: ht

NVIS: Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (http://www.arrl.org/news/view/the-doctor-will-see-you-now-43) Accessed on 17 November 2017, 1630 UTC. Authors:  Steve Ford (WB8IMY) and Joel Hallas (W1ZR). Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to access the podcast. Comment: "NVIS:  Near Vertical Incidence Skywave" is the topic of the current issue of the "ARRL The Doctor is In" podcast.  The "ARRL The Doctor is In" is sponsored by DX Engineering and  covers "all things technical." The twice monthly podcast features hosts, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford (WB8IMY) and the "Doctor", Joel Hallas *W1ZR), who discuss a wide range of technical issues. You can access the podcast directly by visiting https://www.blubrry.com/arrl_the_doctor_is_in/ For the latest Amateur Radio New and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY. This video is another great production from Ray of the "Radio Workshop" in the UK.  In this video, Ray provides all of the theory, construction practices, and uses of the classic "doublet antenna."  This old design can be used for both single and multiband use, depending on what feedlines and antenna lengths you choose. If you prefer the multiband approach, then this video is for you.  The concept is simple:  build a dipole antenna for the lowest frequency of use, feed the antenna with balanced line (300 ohm tv ribbon, 450 ohm ladder line, or homemade 600 ohm balanced line), run the balanced line into an antenna "tuner" that handles balanced line or connect the balanced line to a 4:1 current balun, and use a small length of 50 ohm coaxial cable to connect the balun to your antenna "tuner."  Place the "

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji19-6LPog0 Here's another clever magnetic loop antenna for radio amateurs unable to erect antennas because of CC&R and HOA restrictions. Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) calls his creating a "spiral loop antenna" for 20 meters.  The video does a good job of explaining the theory, construction, and operation of this magnetic loop antenna variation.  Most of the materials can be found in your ham shack or at the nearest home improvement and building supply outlet.  This is a fun and educational project that will deliver good performance at a moderate cost. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated on Friday). http://ama

If you can't view this video, please insert title URL into your browser search box (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTsYRyEkCkQ). This is post #1312 in a continuing series featuring simple ham radio antennas. In part two of Kevin's (KB9RLW) mini magnetic loop transmitting antenna, we see how a few minor changes can enhance the performance of this small, "stealthy" antenna.  According to Kevin, this is final version of his mini magnetic loop antenna, which was made "from scrounged junk in my basement."  Kevin says the antenna "works surprisingly well" using only 0.5 watts in the WSPR mode.  This antenna will give radio amateurs living in deed restricted homes, apartments, and condominium units an way to get on the air without rasining the suspicions of nosey neighbors. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.co

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9KSDvjycyw. This is post #1311 in a continuing series on Simple Ham Radio Antennas. Experimenting with magnetic loop antennas is fun, educational, and often rewarding, especially for radio amateurs living in deed-restricting homes, apartments, or condominium units. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) creates a working magnetic loop transmitting antenna from parts he found in his ham shack.  Despite some limitations, the antenna works and serves as a template for further magnetic loop designs.  Perhaps, this video will encourage you to build your own antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated on Friday). https;//pa

New product for antenna testing (http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-flexi). Accessed on 13 November 2017, 0125 UTC. Author:  SOTABEAMS. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: On Saturday, 11 November 2017, UK antenna manufacturer, SOTABEAMS, announced the release of a new antenna tuning system called WSPRlite-Flexi. According to SOTABEAMS, the new antenna device covers from 6 meters through 630 meters--just right for radio amateurs experimenting on the 630 meter band (472 kHz to 479 kHz). Here are some of the features of the Flexi System: "The Flexi also incorporates a number of new facilities including a unique interference avoidance algorithm to help it avoid interference from other WSPR users. When combined with the  DXplorer.net  website, WSPRlite provides a unique way to look at antenna performance and to see how propagation varies in real-time. Details at: www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-flexi " --------------------------------------------

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/v=ehjKrJ-TH_w. Here's a simple, cost-effective, and easy to build HF receiving antenna using parts found in your ham shack or at the nearest building supply or home improvement center.  For those radio amateurs living in deed-restricted apartments and homes, this compact, lightweight antenna can be used to receive shortwave and ham radio signals without upsetting your neighbors.  The antenna is highly directional and can be used to sidestep noise and interference in your home. Although this loop is not designed to be used with transmitters, it can give your some flexibility in your receiving antennas.  You could always design and build a transmitting magnetic loop antenna to complement this receiving antenna. You then would be totally "stealthy". For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.i

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSioSzSiScc. The K3MT Grasswire HF antenna designed by Mike Toia (K3MT) may be the ultimate stealth or portable antenna. You lay the antenna on the ground and start operating.  The antenna is nearly invisible. In this video from AC2RJ (rcobo 101), we see how simple and effective this antenna is.  AC2RJ says he laid out 100-feet/30.48 meters of speaker wire on the ground of his backyard and quickly got contacts on 20 and 40 meters.  An antenna "tuner" and a decent earth ground, radial system, or a few counterpoise wires will improve the efficiency and performance of this emergency antenna. You can find Mike's original article by checking the left hand column of this blog under the "pages" section.  Mike gives you all the theoretical and practical construction tips for this antenna.  If you follow Mike's instructions, you'

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7w-jdi-Nv4. Here's part 2 of an 80-6 meter OCF Dipole Antenna created by "Survivalist2008". In part 1, we collected the materials for the project and began construction of the antenna.  In part 2, we put the finishing touches on this antenna, erect it in the field, and make some contacts. The antenna is lightweight, stealthy, and compact. You may want to make one for your next portable or backpacking operation.  You could always use this antenna to back up the antennas you now use at your home station. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur R

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuXPsKX6nYw. Here's another interesting approach for making a portable or emergency HF antenna covering 6 through 80 meters. "Survivalist2008"calls this antenna his "Fishing Reel" antenna because most of the components are stored on a fishing reel and can easily be carried in a backpack. "Survivalist2008" says this homebrewed off-center-fed dipole antenna is stealthy, lightweight, and can fit into a pocket on his knapsack.  In part one of this video, we learn what materials are needed make the antenna and the construction steps necessary to get the antenna operational. In part two, we will continue building the antenna and learn how to maximize its performance in a field operating situation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AEIxCzujIY. If you wish to explore antenna possibilities beyond simple dipoles, inverted vees, and verticals, try building a yagi, log periodic, and phased array. The time and effort expended in designing, building, and using these antennas is worth it in terms of better performance, higher gain, and directivity. In this video, Dave Casler (KE0OG) discusses each of these antennas and makes suggestions on how you can build your own version of these antennas. The video is informative and easy to understand--a good, basic tutorial worth keeping in your reference library. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday after

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FR72wHHCeM. If the current solar cycle is making HF operations difficult and tedious, why not try some of the Amateur Radio microwave bands, such as the popular 10 GHz Band (X-Band)?  Equipment is readily available and instructional videos such as this one are available online.  With the advent of improved antennas, better transceivers, and manageable power supplies, it's possible to make many daily contacts via EME, meteor scatter, and knife-edge refraction. In this video, Gordon West (WB6NOA) and Tim Tucker (AE6LX) demonstrate the antennas, feed lines, transceivers, and operating procedures that will insure you success on this microwave band. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http:/

If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiU6x9aZT7A. I'm familiar with steel tape measures as elements for 2 meter yagis, but I've never seen the same principal applied to the HF bands.  In this video from KI4PMI and NC4FB, we see how common steel tape measures can be used for antennas covering 40 through 06 meters.  According to NC4FB, you change bands by adjusting the length of the steel tape measure. An ingenious, creative, and inexpensive way to use common materials as antenna elements.  This antenna covers amateur radio frequencies from 40 through 06 meters.  You can have plenty of fun working with this type of antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is u

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NABWhIHJwdc. If you enjoy portable operations and find it difficult to contact stations on 80 meters, you may want to make a NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antenna covering this great "rag chew" and daytime regional band. In this video, Gil (Commsprepper) shows us how to make a simple NVIS antenna that delivers excellent local, state, and regional coverage up to 400 miles/648 km.  This video shows Gil's 135-foot/41.15 meters NVIS antenna suspended over a wooden bridge.  He reports excellent local and regional coverage from this simple installation. Eighty meters is an excellent band for portable and local emergency operations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://ww

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZoYyIuYdaU. Here's an interesting variation of the classic Inverted L Antenna that can get you on the 160 meter Amateur Radio band without taking up much space.  The antenna is based on work done by Guy (K2AV) and built by Steve Ellington. Steve's antenna has a vertical height of 70-feet/21.34 meters and a horizontal length of 80-feet/24.39 meters.  The elevated folded counterpoise is 66-feet/20.12 meters long and mounted 8-feet/2.43 meters above ground. Hopefully, this antenna can get you on 160 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1330289353 (Amater Radio Ne

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9FLgWoyfsY. Here's a simple, effective QRP dummy load for field or portable operations.  In this video, Randy (K7AGE) takes us from beginning to end in making this useful station accessory.  Randy says the dummy load can handle 20 watts without a problem. The dummy load also has a test point that you can use to meter your voltage and calculate the power of your transmitter.  A nice, basic project that will be useful for years to come. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast that is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1439289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest

Major Antenna Manufacturer Ends its Production (https://www.eham.net/articles/40320). Accessed on 02 November 2017, 0115 UTC, Post #1299. Author:  Jim Linton (VK3PC) Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the formal press release from the Wireless Institute of Australia. Comment: It's always a sad story when a major manufacturer of amateur radio equipment closes its doors.  In this case, the company involved is Australian antenna manufacturer Polar Electronic Industries of Australia, a brand known for its rugged and dependable line of Polar Antennas. Wireless Institute of Australia's spokesman Jim Linton (VK3PC) issued this press release about the closure: Major antenna manufacturer ends its production Date : 01 / 11 / 2017 Author :  Jim Linton - VK3PC Known worldwide Polar Electronic Industries of Australia, the designers and manufacturer of quality communication antennas for 41 years, has closed leaving a gap for the radio a

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCf3vfZEqYI. This outstanding video tutorial on field expedient antennas comes from a radio class taught to U.S. Marines (B09 Field Expedient Antennas).  Although the well-paced presentation is a bit short on theory, the practical applications of tested antenna construction and use in the field are outstanding. The speaker is excellent and paints a mental picture of methods and factors that can add or detract from field operations.  This video would be an excellent resource for those mentoring ("elmering") newly licensed radio amateurs. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLqCtzqeQzI. If you want to get a bit more performance out of your 2 meter rig or handheld, try using a J-Pole antenna made from locally available parts.  In this video, Matt Heere used an online J-Pole calculator and some "upcycled" copper plumbing pipe to make this sturdy, effective 2 meter antenna. According to Matt, this omni-directional VHF antenna delivers a small amount of gain--around 2dBi--which may be enough to get full quieting on your favorite repeater.  Matt says he's able to contact a repeater almost 50 miles/81 km from his shack. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https

Random Wire Antenna Lengths (https://udel.edu/~mm/ham/radio/randomWire/ Author:  University of Delaware. Accessed on 30 October 2017, 2055 UTC, Post #1296. Comment: When you're on the trail, at the annual Field Day, or wherever a good antenna is unavailable, a random wire antenna "can save the day" if  you know its limitations.  This article does an excellent job of describing the theory, construction, and use of random wire antennas and the wire lengths you should avoid if you want an efficient, effective operation without excessive SWR. Of particular note is the series of graphs showing various wire lengths to avoid for different sets of amateur radio bands. The basic guidance is clear:  "The fewer bands, the fewer high impedance regions to avoid." According to the article, you want the wire antenna to be at least 1/4 wavelength long for each band you want to use.  For example, to work the 40 meter amateur radio band (7 mHz), make sure the antenna